How couples can narrow the gender pay gap in super

The gender pay gap and time out of the paid workforce mean women tend to retire with less superannuation, but there is a little-known strategy couples can use to even the score.

Nicole Haddow

Feb 28, 2024 – 5.06am

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All of Sean and Heather Harrison’s significant life decisions are made together. The Sydney couple have a child together and are expecting their second in June. “Everything we earn individually is for the family,” says Heather, who is 35. But there was one glaring inequality in their relationship: superannuation.

Sean, 37, was earning more and had significantly more super. Heather took leave from her retail career when their first child was born and will do so again for their second child. Mindful of the growing gap in their super savings, they sought financial advice.